Fan configuration in a 3rd party case

Framework Desktop
1

I purchased the Framework Desktop MB and installed it in a Fractal Design North case. I know, it’s somewhat ridiculous to install a mini-ITX MB in a full ATX case, but I’ve always been fond of the FD North and have been looking for an excuse to build a system around it for a few years.

Currently, I have two Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 fans providing cool air from the front as well as another NF-A12x25 G2 on the APU blowing towards the heatsink.

I’ll be swapping the heatsink fan for a NF-A14x25 HS and was thinking about re-purposing the extra fan for exhaust, either top of the case or out the back side. However, either way, the exhaust fan would be pretty close to the heatsink fan and I’m thinking this could cause some turbulence. I was wondering about switching the heatsink fan so it blows away from the heatsink instead of towards it. This way the hot air blowing away from the heatsink would be funneled towards the exhaust fan.

Thoughts on this configuration?

2

I also ordered the motherboard and plan to install it in a Jonsbo T6 case with a standard ATX power supply.

I have roughly the same questions.:sweat_smile:

I think the best thing is to do some real-life testing.

3

Mine is likely going to end up in my Fractal North case so I can throw all the drives from my old Win Server 2019 / NAS into it. I was hoping I could bifurcate the PCI x4 to cram two NVME drives in. Just if I can run 3x gb ones it gets to the 15 TB I have in old WD Red NAS grade drives in my existing server. But the BIOS has no setting for bifurcation, so likely shoving a SATA adapter in instead.